Lake Forest Academy Photo - Located on the former estate of J. Odgen Armour, various historical and modern buildings comprise Lake Forest Academy's 150-acre campus, including the Cressey Center for the Arts, the Reyes Family Science Center, and a newly expanded athletic center.

Top 5 Best Lake Forest Private Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 9 private schools serving 2,283 students in Lake Forest, IL (there are 7 public schools, serving 3,181 public students). 42% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest, IL are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
The top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL include Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Country Day School, and East Lake Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 72%, which is lower than the Illinois private school average acceptance rate of 84%.
44% of private schools in Lake Forest, IL are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).

Top Ranked Lake Forest Private Schools (2025)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Fusion Academy Lake Forest
Fusion Academy Lake Forest Photo
Alternative School
(5)
840 S. Waukegan Road, Suite 224
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(877) 673-8893
Grades: 6-12
| 67 students
East Lake Academy
East Lake Academy Photo - Forming tomorrow's leaders through the best academic training, building self-confidence, practicing the Catholic faith and cultivating missionary hearts.
(Catholic)
(4)
13911 W. Laurel Drive
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 247-0035
Grades: PK-8
| 128 students
Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest Academy Photo - Located on the former estate of J. Odgen Armour, various historical and modern buildings comprise Lake Forest Academy's 150-acre campus, including the Cressey Center for the Arts, the Reyes Family Science Center, and a newly expanded athletic center.
1500 W Kennedy Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3257
Grades: 9-12
| 452 students
145 S. Green Bay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-2350
Grades: NS-8
| 406 students
School Of St. Mary
School Of St. Mary Photo
(Catholic)
185 E Illinois Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 283-9800
Grades: PK-8
| 425 students
900 W Everett Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-0371
Grades: PK-8
| 470 students
Woodlands Academy Of The Sacred Heart
All-girls (Catholic)
760 E Westleigh Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-4300
Grades: 9-12
| 120 students
Dearhaven Childcare & Learning Center
Daycare / Preschool
1100 N Westmoreland Rd
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 535-6175
Grades: PK-K
| 37 students
Montessori School Of Lake Forest
Montessori School Of Lake Forest Photo - Our main West Laurel Drive campus is on over five acres of prairie adjacent to the Middlefork Savanna County Forest Preserve.
Montessori School
13700 W Laurel Dr
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 918-1000
Grades: PK-8
| 178 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL?
The top ranked private schools in Lake Forest, IL include Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Country Day School, and East Lake Academy.
How many private schools are located in Lake Forest?
9 private schools are located in Lake Forest.
How diverse are private schools in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest private schools are approximately 18% minority students, which is lower than the Illinois private school average of 34%.
What percentage of students in Lake Forest go to private school?
42% of all K-12 students in Lake Forest are educated in private schools (compared to the IL state average of 12%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Lake Forest?
44% of private schools in Lake Forest are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Which private schools in Lake Forest are often viewed compared to one another?

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